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1st night stay near Schiphol - Leiden, Utrecht or The Hague?

Hi all:

We are flying from San Francisco direct to Schiphol arriving Saturday May 31 2025 at 10:20am. We will fly the next day to Copehagen (though depending on final itinerary, it could be possible to stay here 2 nights...). But for now let's assume just one night before heading to Copenhagen.

I feel like I am getting old hahaah and I only wanted to fly direct to Europe then be done traveling for the day. So we will spend one night before flying to Copenhagen on Sunday (time TBA - we could go early or late...).

We will hit Amsterdam on the way home at the end of the trip for a few days, and we have been there once before, so I was thinking this night is a cool chance to stay in a different city. Looks like both Utrecht, Leiden and The Hague are about 30-60 min on train from the airport,.., We don't need to do or see much, more just wander around and try to stay awake, have dinner, sleep. Then maybe a small thing the next morning if we get a later flight out.

Any suggestions for where to do this? Or if this is a bad idea?

Thanks!
Kim

Posted by
704 posts

My first choice is The Hague. All three are great options for this excellent idea.

Posted by
7877 posts

Hi Kim, I did this last year and enjoyed my overnight there!

I flew Easy Jet from Dubrovnik to Amsterdam, and stayed one night in nearby Leiden at the Boutique Hotel Steenhof Suites. Originally the plan was to stay in Amsterdam or near the airport, but the available hotels were so expensive! I was able to take a 15-minute train from the airport to Leiden and stay in a beautiful, historic building with a room with white stucco artwork, a fireplace, tall ceilings, very modern bathroom with a view on a canal street - all for less than half the price - an easy decision!

Leiden is beautiful, and the area around the university and the center provided so many options for taking lovely photos! I walked off what was left of my feet and relaxed in my spacious room, enjoying reliving my trip locations!

The last day, I took the quick train back to Schiphol & flew Delta from Amsterdam to Seattle, to Spokane.

Posted by
8123 posts

Leiden is probably the shortest, most direct connection, offering a "walking distance" day and evening before flying out again. We enjoyed our time in Leiden, nice city to walk, if you have any US Pilgrim heritage, it is a significant city for that. You also have canals, Windlills, and some other "Dutch" moments.

Utrecht would also be a great choice, a bit more of a train trip, but talking 30 minutes vs 15. Utrecht is a bit more of a "local" city, fewer tourists, nice canals, good restaurants, but a room will run you a bit more (in my experience) than Leiden, but less than Amsterdam.

The other location would be near the Sloterdijk train station in Amsterdam, but since you will be there later, forget that. Others will chime in with Haarlem. A great city, bit more effort...maybe...to get to, but nice.

I also like the Hague, but it really is a more modern city and most interesting places to stay are a trudge from a train station, Leiden or Utrecht would be a better choice unless you want to go to the Mauritshuis museum.

Posted by
5648 posts

https://community.ricksteves.com/travel-forum/trip-reports/the-netherlands-belgium-april-2024-brought-the-rain-pants-needed-the-rain-pants

We also stayed at the BOUTIQUE Steenhof Suites in Leiden, but it is a good walk, or bus, from the train station. We loved that hotel. But we also stayed in Haarlem, (see trip report, ) and that quiet, upscale hotel was two minutes from the train station. Either is a great choice , and please, two nights in either! Have a great trip! Safe travels!

Posted by
1008 posts

OMG thanks everyone, sounds awesome! I think you have sold me on Leiden! (and funny trip report name BTW, love it).

Showed my husband a couple pics and he was like "Leiden looks kinda awesome"

Thanks!!!
Kim

Posted by
7877 posts

Stop in at Kopje van Leiden for a wonderful cappuccino and a fantastic pastry! I had a beautiful apple torte there last time!